News Release from World Wind Energy Association e.V. (WWEA)

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An increasing number of local governments is setting ambitious renewable energy targets to combat human induced climate chaos.

In a joint statement, members of the Global 100% RE campaign, an international alliance of organizations, associations and research institutions, highlight, however, that an energy transformation can only succeed if benefits are shared across society, including citizens and communities. At the ICLEI World congress in Seoul, Korea, the group warns that future energy markets built on 100% renewable energy have to be ‘people centered’ and ‘community driven’.

Members of the group include the World Future Council, Fraunhofer ISE, World Wind Energy Association and ICLEI, the world’s biggest cities network. A spokesperson of the alliance says the increasing number of regions and cities committing on a 100% renewable energy target are ‘an encouraging signal’. However, there is a need for quality criteria for reaching 100% Renewable Energy. Therefore the alliance is introducing guidelines for governments to ensure that this transformation will indeed serve the needs of the people and facilitate ‘the required system change’.

The guidelines presented include a robust policy framework, a clear mandate to facilitate the implementation of emerging and innovative technologies as well as a reasonable monitoring procedure to measure progress. They will also help to assess different levels of commitment with regard to the three sectors of transport, heat and electricity.
“Cities, towns and countries around the world show continued leadership to tackle environmental, economic and social crisis by shifting toward 100% renewable energy. However, this transformation will only happen if it is in line with just and democratic principles” says Anna Leidreiter, Coordinator of the Global 100% RE Alliance.

This week in Seoul, the alliance launches a new 100% RE network for local governments that will follow a people-centered and decentralized approach. The initiative is based on indicators and criteria in order to strengthen the understanding within local governments on what 100% RE means and to enhance the knowledge on how to reach it.
Stefan Gsänger, Secretary General of the World Wind Energy Association: “The global renewable energy uptake is highly encouraging. However, it would be an illusion to believe that simply fuelling the same system with different resources will lead us into the right direction and keep the planet for our current and future generations habitable. Instead, we must transform our societies and economies to ensure sustainable access to energy for all. Examples from around the world show that community-driven solutions enable our society to convert our energy production and supply industry at the required speed and scale.”